IBM / InfoPrint Line Impact Printers

As the Original Equipment Manufacturer of IBM’s Line Impact Printers, we are your source for printer needs.

Background

In 1993, Printronix and IBM established a partnership making Printronix the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of IBM Line Impact Printers. The first IBM Line Impact Dot Matrix Printer was released in 1993 as the IBM 6408-A00 & CTO. Through the end of 2011, Printronix served as the exclusive OEM partner for all IBM/InfoPrint Line Impact printer models, in addition to manufacturing and selling near-equivalent Printronix branded models.

History of OEM Relationship

What's Your Upgrade Path?

Printronix has the complete range of products, spare parts, supplies and services to support the needs of customers and business partners using IBM / InfoPrint line matrix products. Printronix continues to invest in this technology providing new products and services to expand the value of line matrix printing technology to the InfoPrint customer and partner base. Below you can find our comparison chart that illustrates legacy IBM / InfoPrint printers with equivalent upgraded Printronix models.

Frequenty Asked Questions

Answer: Yes, Printronix offers a direct match for each line matrix model previously offered by InfoPrint. In addition, there are models available that were not offered by InfoPrint. For instance, Printronix offers zero tear and high definition Postscript™ & PDF capable models for ease of compatibility within modern IT environments.

Question: How do the specifications compare between InfoPrint and Printronix printers?

Answer: The specifications are identical. Printronix was the Original Equipment Manufacturer for InfoPrint printers. All aspects of size, speed, paper handling, power consumption and appearance are the same.

Question: How are the line matrix control panels different?

Answer: Even though the menu structures between the Printronix and InfoPrint panels differ, they each allow the user to configure the printer, view status & errors messages, and perform basic functions such as advancing forms and taking the printer off-line.

Question: How about system compatibility with Printronix printers?

Answer: Printronix printers are completely compatible as a direct replacement for the InfoPrint models. As Printronix was the OEM for the IBM/InfoPrint printers, both share the same system level firmware that is core in determining the printer’s behavior. The only exception was IPDS for the line printers in which IBM/InfoPrint developed their own version. Given the printers have different operator panels, menu structures and defaults, when replacing a legacy IBM/InfoPrint model with a Printronix model, the printer may require some adjustments to the default settings to match current application requirements. Adjustments can easily be performed at the time of installation and the Printronix CSC is always available to assist with any configuration questions.

Question: Will Printronix have IPDS for InfoPrint customers?

Answer: Yes, Printronix printers have long supported IPDS and will continue to do so. Since the InfoPrint and Printronix IPDS versions were constructed independently, there may be some initial compatibility gaps, but these should not be a concern. In the event that a difference is identified at a customer site, the Printronix CSC team will quickly escalate and correct the situation.

Question: Will I still be able to get consumables for my InfoPrint printers?

Answer: Yes, there is a line of Printronix branded consumables designed to work for InfoPrint products. In addition, it is expected that Ricoh will continue to supply InfoPrint branded consumables through many of their traditional channels.

Question: Will I still be able to buy consumables from my same source today?

Answer: Yes, InfoPrint branded supplies will remain available from the same sources you may already be dealing with today.

Question: How long will these consumables be available?

Answer: Protecting the users’ investment is critical to Printronix and we will continue to provide a robust supply of consumables for these products for years into the future. Printronix is still supplying ribbons for its first printers shipped in 1974!

Answer: Holders of InfoPrint service contracts will need to look to Ricoh or its successor for fulfillment of repair services under their current contracts.

Question: If I do not have a service contract can Printronix still repair my equipment?

Answer: Depending on the age of the equipment, Printronix may be able to offer repair services. Please contact your Printronix representative to learn more.

Question: Are service contracts available from Printronix for InfoPrint products?

Answer: Printronix offers a wide range of service contracts and repair services for InfoPrint printers that are not yet at End of Support. Please contact your Printronix representative to learn what support options are available.

Question: Can InfoPrint end users or business partners call Printronix for technical support?

Answer: Yes, free technical support is available to all InfoPrint end users, or partners operating on their behalf, that are holding an active service contract directly with Printronix. For all others, technical support will be provided on a fee basis.